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Artificial Intelligence Researcher II Salary in the United States

How much does an Artificial Intelligence Researcher II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher II in the United States is $107,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, an Artificial Intelligence Researcher II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $111,512
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $102,800 to $109,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $98,521

Key Factors That Influence Artificial Intelligence Researcher II Salaries

An Artificial Intelligence Researcher II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Artificial Intelligence Researcher Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Artificial Intelligence Researcher II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Artificial Intelligence Researcher II (2-4 years): $107,467
  • Artificial Intelligence Researcher III (4-7 years): $128,842
  • Artificial Intelligence Researcher IV (7+ years): $156,230
  • Artificial Intelligence Researcher V (7-10 years): $199,052
  • Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI (10-12 years): $220,112
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Artificial Intelligence Researcher II2-4 years$107,467
Artificial Intelligence Researcher III4-7 years$128,842
Artificial Intelligence Researcher IV7+ years$156,230
Artificial Intelligence Researcher V7-10 years$199,052
Artificial Intelligence Researcher VI10-12 years$220,112

Top Paying Cities for Artificial Intelligence Researcher IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $135,600
  • San Francisco: $134,100
  • Oakland: $131,300

Artificial Intelligence Researcher II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Artificial Intelligence Researcher II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $120,136. While startup companies pay approximate $101,623.

Artificial Intelligence Researcher II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $101,623
Growth Stage 51~500 $107,476
Established 501~5000 $116,006
Enterprise 5000+ $120,136

Artificial Intelligence Researcher II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Artificial Intelligence Researcher II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Artificial Intelligence Researcher positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Artificial Intelligence Researcher II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$134,375$65.025%
Financial Services$129,000$62.020%
Pharmaceuticals$129,000$62.020%
Biotechnology$123,625$59.015%
Energy & Utilities$118,250$57.010%

Artificial Intelligence Researcher II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Artificial Intelligence Researcher II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$102,800
Average $107,500/year
$109,600
$8,567
Average $8,958/month
$9,133
$1,977
Average $2,067/week
$2,108
$49
Average $52/hour
$53
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $109,600 $9,133 $2,108 $53
Average $107,500 $8,958 $2,067 $52
25th Percentile $102,800 $8,567 $1,977 $49

Artificial Intelligence Researcher II Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Artificial Intelligence Researcher II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Artificial Intelligence Researcher III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $128,900 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Artificial Intelligence Researcher II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Artificial Intelligence Researcher II

Here are companies hiring for Artificial Intelligence Researcher II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Artificial Intelligence Researcher II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Artificial Intelligence Researcher II?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Artificial Intelligence Researcher II roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Who is the highest paid AI researcher?

In 2023, the salaries of AI researchers vary significantly, with a minimum salary of $106,300, a mid-range salary of $121,800, and a maximum salary of $132,900. While some top researchers may earn substantially more through bonuses and equity, these figures represent the base salary range for AI researchers in the industry.

3. What is the highest paying AI job?

The highest paying AI job is the Machine Learning Engineer, boasting an average annual salary of $161,800. However, an Artificial Intelligence Researcher has a salary range with a minimum of $106,300, a mid-level salary of $121,800, and a maximum of $132,900, making it a lucrative option in the AI field as well.

4. How much does a PhD in AI make?

A PhD in Artificial Intelligence typically earns between $106,300 and $132,900 annually, with a median salary of around $121,800. This reflects the growing demand for AI expertise, significantly higher than the average salaries for PhD students in the field, which are generally lower.

5. How much does an AI researcher make in the USA?

As of January 24, 2025, the salary for an AI Researcher in the United States ranges from $106,300 to $132,900 annually, with a median salary of $121,800. This translates to approximately $51.05 to $63.84 per hour, or $2,050 to $2,740 per week, and $8,917 to $11,883 per month, depending on experience and expertise.

6. How much does a PHD at Tesla make?

A PhD at Tesla can expect a salary range based on the data for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher, which is approximately $106,300 to $132,900. This range reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for similar roles, indicating that compensation may vary based on experience and specific job responsibilities.

7. How much do AI researchers make?

As of January 28, 2025, the salary for an Artificial Intelligence Researcher in the United States ranges from $106,300 to $132,900 annually, with a median salary of $121,800. This translates to approximately $51.05 to $63.86 per hour, or $2,020 to $2,740 per week, and $8,800 to $11,500 per month.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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